(Lesser Known) Used Car Polishing Tips for A Deep Shine
As a Harrisonburg used car dealer, we buy pre-owned cars all the time. We know firsthand that environmental assaults like bugs, dirt, and gravel can affect the looks of a brand new vehicle.
That’s why we’re sharing our tips—some you might not have thought of—to help preserve the luster of your vehicle’s exterior.
Knowing what kinds of polishes to use right from the start as well as how to polish is important. It can help keep swirls, etching, scratches, as well as oxidation to a minimum while maximizing shine. Read on to learn more about car polishing your vehicle.
Car Polishing Know How: Is There Really a Best Car Polish?
Contrary to car polishing ads, there is no one polish to use to give you that deep, new car shine. Sometimes, depending on the condition of the paint, you may need to use two or three products to get the desired results.
That said, the big question we hear is, “How often should I polish my car?” You might not realize it, but paint polishers actually remove small amounts of the paint’s exterior.
It’s microscopic and does not interfere with the integrity of vehicle’s paint film build if not over applied. That’s why you want to polish your car once or twice a year. Wax it every three months or so.
A polish’s cutting ability determines the amount of paint removed with each hand stroke, or with each revolution of a buffer. Waxing enhances the car’s paint coating.
A fine polish creates that enviable deep, wet looking gloss. On the other hand, a course polish can cloud the surface. Each polish is designed for a specific purpose in mind such as repairing or refining the vehicle’s exterior.
It’s not as simple as just choosing a polish product. There are many variables at play. For a new car polish application, you do not have to consider the condition of the paint or its hardness and thickness.
For used cars, that step is essential. For both used and new cars, you’ll also want to consider:
• The products used—don’t skimp!
• Time to apply—don’t rush it.
• The application process
• Work space—make sure your area will allow you to work with ease
• Weather—don’t work when the surface of the vehicle is hot
Types of Car Polish Applications
It’s important to always use the least abrasive polish for the reasons stated above. Here are our recommendations.
For moderate to severe damage—For heavy scratches, swirls and other serious defects, you want to use a cutting pad and a swirl remover. Set the speed to five or six.
For normal swirl, water etching, light scratches, and light to moderate oxidation—Use a lighter cutting pad and a finishing glaze to restore shine.
For extremely light damage—If you just want to enhance the gloss, use a polishing pad and polish enhancer and set the speed to about one to three.
All of these steps are enhanced by using a dual action polisher but can also be done by hand.
Car Polishing Tips and Techniques
We recommend spot testing first on the most damaged area of the vehicle. Use the least aggressive product to start and see how the product performs.
If you’re not satisfied with the results, move up to the next product level and then begin working on the entire car, following these steps:
• Work small areas at a time, about 2 ft x 2 ft
• Work slowly. Allow the polisher to get the work done
• Use overlapping, slow motion. Make them up and down, then side by side.
• Keep the pad level. Focus on the results of the pad application.
• Don’t dry buff—EVER! Once the polish becomes clear, stop.
• To avoid further scratches, if you’re machine buffing, keep the cord away from the work area.
• Use the correct pad, polish, and speed combos—Always!
• When removing defects, don’t use too much pressure. Use just enough to remove problem areas.
• Don’t lift the polisher from the paint area while it’s in use.
It’s important to note that car polishing does not protect your vehicle. It simply helps it to look better. Waxing will help to protect it.
Follow these used car polishing tips and keep your vehicle looking like new!
When you’re ready to buy a quality used car, turn to the pros at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza. We’ve been helping consumers just like you for more than 60 years find the vehicle of their choice.
That’s why we’re sharing our tips—some you might not have thought of—to help preserve the luster of your vehicle’s exterior.
Knowing what kinds of polishes to use right from the start as well as how to polish is important. It can help keep swirls, etching, scratches, as well as oxidation to a minimum while maximizing shine. Read on to learn more about car polishing your vehicle.
Car Polishing Know How: Is There Really a Best Car Polish?
Contrary to car polishing ads, there is no one polish to use to give you that deep, new car shine. Sometimes, depending on the condition of the paint, you may need to use two or three products to get the desired results.
That said, the big question we hear is, “How often should I polish my car?” You might not realize it, but paint polishers actually remove small amounts of the paint’s exterior.
It’s microscopic and does not interfere with the integrity of vehicle’s paint film build if not over applied. That’s why you want to polish your car once or twice a year. Wax it every three months or so.
A polish’s cutting ability determines the amount of paint removed with each hand stroke, or with each revolution of a buffer. Waxing enhances the car’s paint coating.
A fine polish creates that enviable deep, wet looking gloss. On the other hand, a course polish can cloud the surface. Each polish is designed for a specific purpose in mind such as repairing or refining the vehicle’s exterior.
It’s not as simple as just choosing a polish product. There are many variables at play. For a new car polish application, you do not have to consider the condition of the paint or its hardness and thickness.
For used cars, that step is essential. For both used and new cars, you’ll also want to consider:
• The products used—don’t skimp!
• Time to apply—don’t rush it.
• The application process
• Work space—make sure your area will allow you to work with ease
• Weather—don’t work when the surface of the vehicle is hot
Types of Car Polish Applications
It’s important to always use the least abrasive polish for the reasons stated above. Here are our recommendations.
For moderate to severe damage—For heavy scratches, swirls and other serious defects, you want to use a cutting pad and a swirl remover. Set the speed to five or six.
For normal swirl, water etching, light scratches, and light to moderate oxidation—Use a lighter cutting pad and a finishing glaze to restore shine.
For extremely light damage—If you just want to enhance the gloss, use a polishing pad and polish enhancer and set the speed to about one to three.
All of these steps are enhanced by using a dual action polisher but can also be done by hand.
Car Polishing Tips and Techniques
We recommend spot testing first on the most damaged area of the vehicle. Use the least aggressive product to start and see how the product performs.
If you’re not satisfied with the results, move up to the next product level and then begin working on the entire car, following these steps:
• Work small areas at a time, about 2 ft x 2 ft
• Work slowly. Allow the polisher to get the work done
• Use overlapping, slow motion. Make them up and down, then side by side.
• Keep the pad level. Focus on the results of the pad application.
• Don’t dry buff—EVER! Once the polish becomes clear, stop.
• To avoid further scratches, if you’re machine buffing, keep the cord away from the work area.
• Use the correct pad, polish, and speed combos—Always!
• When removing defects, don’t use too much pressure. Use just enough to remove problem areas.
• Don’t lift the polisher from the paint area while it’s in use.
It’s important to note that car polishing does not protect your vehicle. It simply helps it to look better. Waxing will help to protect it.
Follow these used car polishing tips and keep your vehicle looking like new!
When you’re ready to buy a quality used car, turn to the pros at Joe Bowman Auto Plaza. We’ve been helping consumers just like you for more than 60 years find the vehicle of their choice.
